From Analog to Digital in the World of Microbes
Being able to quickly determine water quality means great water-saving potential and strengthens preparedness against potential threats such as poisoning of drinking water.
The project aims to replace today’s slow and imprecise methods of assessing water quality with digital and direct monitoring techniques. Current methods are based on the cultivation of indicator bacteria, which takes several days and provides limited information. The project aims to eventually develop and implement technologies that enable real-time monitoring of disease-causing bacteria, which both saves time and resources and increases the safety of the drinking water network.
Although the focus is on drinking water supply, the proposed technologies have the potential to be used in other areas, such as bathing water, water for animal husbandry and cultivation, or in the food and processing industry. Being able to quickly determine water quality means great water-saving potential and strengthens preparedness against potential threats such as poisoning of drinking water. By including a broad stakeholder group in the feasibility study, the project hopes to pave the way for a transition from pilot scale to regular use.
The project is led by Sweden Water Research, with the support of partners such as Sydvatten, VA SYD and Norrvatten. These actors have already tested methods such as flow cytometry on a pilot scale, a technique that enables rapid analysis of bacterial levels using DNA staining. However, the project emphasizes that the introduction of new technology requires adaptation of the organizations’ working methods to handle new data sets. Collaborations with authorities, research institutions and other actors play a key role in ensuring a smooth transition.
The goal is to move from today’s random and delayed water checks to a future where water quality is monitored continuously, precisely and in real time. The change will not only increase safety but also contribute to the sustainable management of water resources.
